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BMC Public Health
Published in: BMC Public Health 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities

Authors: Pamela Smith, Stephanie Smits, Sioned Owen, Fiona Wood, Grace McCutchan, Ben Carter, Adrian Edwards, Michael Robling, Julia Townson, Kate Brain

Published in: BMC Public Health | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Cancer survival rates in the UK are lower in comparison with similar countries in Europe and this may be linked to socioeconomic inequalities in stage of cancer diagnosis and survival. Targeted cancer awareness interventions have the potential to improve earlier symptomatic diagnosis and reduce socioeconomic inequalities in cancer outcomes. The health check is an innovative, theory-based intervention designed to increase awareness of cancer symptoms and risk factors, and encourage timely help seeking among adults living in deprived communities.

Methods

A prospective, non-randomised evaluation was undertaken to test the feasibility and acceptability of the health check for adults aged 40 years and over living in deprived areas of Wales. Primary outcomes included recruitment and retention of approximately 100 adults, reach to participants in the lowest deprivation quartile, and intervention acceptability. Secondary outcomes included self-reported cancer symptom recognition, help-seeking behaviours and state anxiety pre/post intervention.

Results

Of 185 individuals approached, 98 (53%) completed the intervention. Sixty-six of 98 participants were recruited from community settings (67%) and 32 from healthcare settings (33%), with 56 (57%) from the lowest deprivation quartile. Eighty-three (85%) participants completed follow-up assessment. Participants recognised on average one extra cancer symptom post intervention, with improved recognition of and anticipated presentation for non-specific symptoms. State anxiety scores remained stable. Qualitative interviews (n = 25) demonstrated that the intervention was well received and motivated change.

Conclusions

Recruitment was feasible in community and healthcare settings, with good reach to adults from low socioeconomic groups. The health check intervention was acceptable and demonstrated potential for improved cancer awareness and symptom presentation, especially for non-specific symptoms, in communities most affected by cancer.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Increasing knowledge or understanding
 
2
Increasing means and reducing barriers to increase capability (beyond education or training) or opportunity (beyond environmental restructuring)
 
3
Using communication to induce positive or negative feelings to stimulate action
 
4
Changing the physical or social context
 
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Metadata
Title
Feasibility and acceptability of a cancer symptom awareness intervention for adults living in socioeconomically deprived communities
Authors
Pamela Smith
Stephanie Smits
Sioned Owen
Fiona Wood
Grace McCutchan
Ben Carter
Adrian Edwards
Michael Robling
Julia Townson
Kate Brain
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Public Health / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2458
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-018-5606-3

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